Monday, December 14, 2009

The Heart in Hand emblem has a rich symbolic heritage in the Northeast. Traditionally, it is said to emblemize charity, or selfless action that originates in the heart: "Whatever the hand may find to do, may the heart go forth in union."

Blogger With Heart and Hands has a nice summary of the image's use in the Shaker tradition, as well as by the fraternal organization of Odd Fellows . . .

. . . which brings me to these amazing carvings, first used as ceremonial staffs for Odd Fellows gatherings. This matched pair was sold by aptly-named Odd Fellows Art and Antiques:

Check out their site for a veritable gallery of Heart-in-Hand carving, as well as other to-die-for folk art.

Friday, December 11, 2009

. . . and where she stops, nobody knows. Carnival art has become a popular form of collectible folk art of late, not the least for its bright graphics and sense of playfulness. I suspect that for many of us, gaming wheels like these recall the fun days we spent at the State Fair as kids.

This 1920's beauty was recently sold by Paul Madden Antiques. I love the crisp print and the fact that it comes with its own stand.

Bitten? Need to buy a gaming wheel RIGHT NOW? Then hurry yourself over to Finish Line Collectibles on Ruby Lane. This seller boasts a number of outstanding wheels in a range of sizes and prices. I have my eye on this number: